Since the program launched in 2017, Indigenous Connections has led to a surge of First Nations programming at artsPlace – from captivating Indigenous works in film, theatre, visual arts, dancing and drumming, to cross-cultural learning programs in Stoney culture, to youth outreach in Morley through the Youth Arts Collective, to artist mentorship through the RISE Emerging Artist Program, and more.

Over the past couple of years, we have been building on our relationships with diverse community groups to develop a host of inclusive programming, from theatre events to classes and workshops to outreach programs and more.

One of the highlights of this initiative was the launch of a series of Cultural Learning Circles led by a variety of facilitators, from Stoney Nakoda knowledge-keepers to local community members and partners such as the Bow Valley Settlement Services and Bow Valley Immigration Partnership, to experts in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion education. These free events build on our relationships with diverse cultures and encourage an equitable and inclusive community for all.

We are working directly with our team of artist instructors to provide a variety of opportunities for cultural diversity and sensitivity training.

Our staff and Board of Directors are undertaking a comprehensive, multi-step training to better understand diversity, equity and inclusion.

We strive to work with a diverse group of artist instructors and are working towards removing or reducing barriers to accessing teaching and career opportunities.

To understand how we can better serve each individual and the many communities that make up the Bow Valley, address the barriers they face, and become a truly welcoming and inclusive organization, we engaged SLD Consulting to complete a comprehensive DEI Audit between November 2022 and June 2023.

The DEI Audit included Listening Circles where diverse community members gathered to share their honest experiences with our consultants. Community Connectors helped us bring together participants newly settled in Canmore, those from the disability and neurodiverse community, Stoney Nakoda community members, as well as other underrepresented communities. We also held Listening Circles with our Board and staff, and sent out a survey to artsPlace community members, including volunteers, teaching artists, performers, and other partners.

Based on a comprehensive analysis of all feedback, internal processes, communications, and documentation, SLD Consulting worked with us to prioritize five goals we are working to put into action over the next year, and beyond:

• Radically rethink communications strategies to more effectively reach a diversity of community members.

• Increase representation and diversity of the artsPlace community (internal & external)

• Create more mentorship opportunities for artists and community members.

• Review and update policies and key documentation to reflect DEI values.

• Establish a DEI committee to take leadership of this work and support accountability and transparency.

We are undergoing volunteer training to help better support neurodivergent participants in our classes and workshops.

Continued Staff, Board and Artist training to develop more awareness of the needs of neurodivergent community members.

In 2024, artsPlace signed on to the Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Charter. By joining other local organizations and businesses, this step reflects our continued commitment to supporting every member of our diverse team and community—and to helping build a Bow Valley that is truly welcoming to all.

This includes:

- Enhancing inclusive communication

- Deepening our understanding of inclusivity

- Embedding inclusive practices into our policies and operations

- Strengthening our community connections

In 2025, artsPlace launched a new project to better connect with cultural and community groups in the Bow Valley, hiring four Community Ambassadors to help strengthen our programming and reach more people.

These ambassadors help us to engage a more diverse audience, build meaningful community connections, and better understand the needs of underrepresented groups.

In the spring of 2025, we hired a Community Engagement and Strategic Partnership Associate to help lead our community engagement process that will allow us to center diverse voices and engage community members to be co-creators and decision makers in our future.

Starting this fall, artsPlace will host a series of conversations where folks can share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas on our guiding principles. Together, we'll refine and build upon the principles that guide our work, ensuring they reflect the Bow Valley's diverse, evolving community. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to participate!